Australia’s top coach and captain, Craig Bellamy, and Cameron Smith of Melbourne Storm, will hold a Rugby League masterclass in aid of Rugby League Cares, ahead of the World Club Challenge against Leeds Rhinos.

The RFL’s official charity, Rugby League Cares is staging the Melbourne masterclass - which will also feature Storm’s highly-respected Football General Manager, Frank Ponissi, - at the Village Hotel, Leeds South, Tingley, on the evening of Tuesday February 19 at 7.45pm.

Rugby League Cares General Manager Chris Rostron said: “We are delighted to be hosting this Rugby League masterclass which I’m sure will prove extremely popular. All the proceeds from tickets will go back to the Rugby League Cares charity and benefit those that need it most within the sport. Existing Rugby League Cares members will get priority for tickets and it’s really quick and easy to sign up to support the charity.”

Storm, the NRL champions, meet Super League Grand Final winners Leeds Rhinos for the Rugby League world club title at Headingley Carnegie Stadium on Friday February 22.

The masterclass, three days prior to this match, will feature lectures from Bellamy, the current Australian coach of the year, and Ponissi, a renowned speaker at sports conferences worldwide. Bellamy has also served as assistant coach to Australia and coach of New South Wales in the State of Origin series, learning his trade as Assistant Coach at Brisbane Broncos.

Cameron Smith, the current captain of Storm, Australia and Queensland, will join his colleagues in a special question and answer session.

Entry to the Melbourne Storm master class is by a £20 donation to Rugby League Cares, a new charity that helps the Rugby League family - Past, Present & Future:

To book for the Masterclass on Tuesday February 19, which kicks off at 7.45pm, please contact Peter Stephenson on info@rlcares.org.uk or 07788 545601. Attendance is limited, so early booking is advised, priority will be given to Rugby League Cares members.

Tickets for the World Club Challenge are now available for purchase via Leeds Rhinos on 0871 423 1315, from the ticket office at Headingley Carnegie Stadium, or online at www.therhinos.co.uk. Also via the RFL on 0844 856 1113, or online at www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk.-ends-

Nick BoothroydCommunity PR Manager

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